An agency interested in receiving funds from the UWOC must apply online at the organization's website. The organization reviews and accepts applications every February.

"When the application comes in, we let the agency know that there are guidelines to follow," Robinson said.

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"We also set up a time to interview them."

For an agency to be eligible for funds, it must be a nonprofit organization.

"Last time (fiscal years 2010 and 2011), we raised $305,000 for the agencies we are partnered with," Robinson said.

The largest contribution to the UWOC was by the late Robert Hamilton, who had $100,000 donated to the organization in his will in 2011.

A few national companies that donated money to UWOC are: WalMart, JC Penny, AT&T, CenturyLink, UPS and Wells Fargo.

This time around, the organization hopes to raise $300,000 for the fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

There are several ways people can donate to the organization. Citizens interested in contributing can stop by the local office with a donation, donate online or volunteer during one of the many activities hosted by UWOC.

"Even donating a few dollars is helpful," Robinson said. "Sometimes people can only give a little, but every little bit counts. To get to our goal, every little bit helps."

Robinson said reaching their desired goals for improving the county also requires hard work and dedication of volunteers from the community.

"The volunteers are just as valuable as the donations," he said.

Volunteers are so important to the organization that it has created the Helen Kirk Award for the most outstanding volunteers of the year.

Helen Kirk was one of three people who helped to charter the United Way organization in Otero County. The award is a way to commemorate her dedication to the community and reward hard work and effort put forth by a volunteer.

"All of our Board of Director's members are volunteers," Robinson said. "So, our volunteers are our most valuable resource."

Board members for the UWOC are nominated by prior board members and are then approached about volunteering to be a member.

There will be a board meeting on Jan. 14 at 11:30 a.m. and the public is invited to see how the UWOC board operates and manages funds that are raised.

"We invite the public in case they have questions about the board process or about the finances for the year," Robinson said.

"We want people to see that we are transparent in our dealings. If people have questions about United Way, they can ask and get the information."

Robinson said people often have questions about the organization because there are so many similar organizations these days.

Robinson said the important thing to note about contributions to the UWOC is they stay in the communities of Otero County.

"New organizations challenge us to do a better job fund-raising and to make sure that the funds we raise are spent accurately," he said.

For information, visit www.uwoterocounty.orgReach Janessa Maxilom at jmaxilom@alamogodonews.com. Follow her on Twitter @janessa_speaks